Thru the Use of Technology Bridging the Gap In Education By Rachel Scott

Introduction “Reality” in education is not about facts because there are many sides to facts. “Class and backgrounds influence relative student achievement everywhere”. Bridging the gaps, demands action on multiple fronts”. Educators that are interested in the “whole” student will probably produce an achiever.

As we know schools face the difficult task implemented by NCLB But one tool that educators have for teaching is the discretion of “Differential Instruction”

Reason For Differential Instruction Those of us who work with a wide range of students understand the uniqueness of each. All students have special needs. The greatest differential tool available to educators and students is TECHNOLOGY

Reasons to Integrate Technology to Bridge the Gap School districts have implemented Technology to offer students more choices in courses offered. To differentiate the instructional delivery method of the curriculum To extend learning after the school day and year To cut back on the budget School districts have implemented Technology to offer students more choices in courses offered. To differentiate the instructional delivery method of the curriculum To extend learning after the school day and year To cut back on the budget

Use of Technology In Bridging the Gap Virtual Classes vs. Blended Teaching & Learning Virtual Classes refer to Teaching and Learning that uses technology only. Such Classes do not require face to face instruction Blended Teaching & Learning requires face to face instruction. It can be a mixture of virtual classes or Integrating technology Online Learning & Socialization

Student Benefits & Alternatives For Use With Virtual and Blended classes students are given the power to choose the method of communication that is most powerful to them. It helps them to engage more so in their learning Helps to combat issues of disruptive behavior, overcrowding, and other issues giving more learning time Helps to combat issues of disruptive behavior, overcrowding, and other issues giving more learning time Technology in the Classroom

Tools and Resources WEB TOOLS 2.0 Stu.dicio.us: Student organizer and social note taking tool Create a schedule, grade tracking, manage a to do list, store files for classes, write public notes in an outline-like format and connect with friends and soon will include Face book integration.

Gradefix Organizes and prioritizes all of your homework so you are always on top of it. Creates a study schedule used to best spread and prioritize homework throughout the week.

Chalksite A system built for teachers with an easy to use central point that enables communication with students and parents, post assignments and grades, send messages, and manage a website for their courses.

Engrade Similar to Chalksite Allows teachers to create an account and have direct communication with students and their parents. Helps manage student grades, track attendance, schedule upcoming homework, and provide students and parents progress reports

MynotelT (new release) An online note taking tool for students including a WYSIWYG note editor, assignment reminders, grade management, to do lists, and more. Students can also share notes with friends and receive feedback through commenting on notes

Haiku (coming soon) Will provide a system for teachers where they can create a public website for their classes, manage content, list assignments, announcements, track grades, etc. Similar to Chalksite

College Ruled Academic organizer for students Class scheduler, message board area Students can either create a schedule or connect to their Face book and take notes and manage a to do list for each class

Backpack Organizer includes note taking, file storage, to do lists, a calendar, and more. Students can create pages in their organizer for each class and manage notes on class discussions as well as upload related files and class documents

Tools & Resources Bridging Across The World SKYPE Can connect students with educators and students globally. SKYPE Tutorial SKYPE In The Classroom Virtual Field Trips

Journey North Free resource funded by the Annenburg/CPB Foundation Connects students to their local community and the world Students can increase their geography skills engaging in projects investigating seasonal change, track migration, search for signs of spring

ArcExplorer Edition for Education (AEJEE) is a free, download for exploring geographic data. AEJEE can save and open projects, so work can be shared between users, or between school and home over the internet.

Oregon Connections Academy  Claims 49% of students are from Low Income Families but are achieving  AYP Scores are going up North Carolina Virtual Public Schools  Eye On Evaluations research implies that there is not much improvement compared to traditional school  Online Learning In Central Ohio Online Learning In Central Ohio

References Beem, K. (2010). VIRTUAL CLASSES, REAL POLICY. (cover story). School Administrator, 67(4), Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. Pape, L. (2010). Blended Teaching & Learning. School Administrator, 67(4), Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. Haglund, D. (2010). Riverside's Connections Between the Real and the Virtual. School Administrator, 67(4), Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. Darrow, R. (2010). THE BOTTOM LINE: Funding Online Courses. School Administrator, 67(4), Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. Coulter, B. (2008). Bridging the Gap with Technology. Connect Magazine, 22(2), Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. Scherer, M. (2004). Not just about facts. Educational Leadership, 62, 7.

References Continued Technology in the Classroom: Technology in the Classroom Interactive Distance Learning Interactive Distance Learning Chicago alternative virtual schools Chicago alternative virtual schools Online learning and socialization Online learning and socialization Online Learning in Central Ohio file:///C:\Users\RAC\Documents\Examiner~y2010m4d%20http:\ Columbus-Dyslexia-and-Education-19-Aniline-learning-in-Central-Ohio Online Learning in Central Ohio file:///C:\Users\RAC\Documents\Examiner~y2010m4d%20http:\ Columbus-Dyslexia-and-Education-19-Aniline-learning-in-Central-Ohio AYP Scores Are Rising In Oregon Virtual School AYP Scores Are Rising In Oregon Virtual Schoolhttp:// Eye On Evaluation Cutting the budget: